Messenger RNA expression for individual marker genes was demonstrated in 109 (TFF3), 99 (LGALS3), 95 (ADM3), 84 (HGD1) and 67 (PLAB) of 111 fine-needle biopsies obtained from the thyroid tumours and in all 45 samples obtained from normal thyroid tissues. The gene discussed is GDF15; the disease is thyroid tumor.